Shakur was born in New York City to parents who were both political activists and Black Panther Party members. Raised by his mother, he relocated to Baltimore in 1984 and to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1988. With the release of his debut album 2Pacalypse Now in 1991, he became a central figure in West Coast hip-hop for his conscious rap lyrics. Shakur achieved further critical and commercial success with his follow-up albums Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... (1993) and Me Against the World (1995). His Diamond certified album All Eyez on Me (1996), the first double-length album in hip-hop history, abandoned his introspective lyrics for volatile gangsta rap. In addition to his music career, Shakur also found considerable success as an actor, with his starring roles in Juice (1992), Poetic Justice (1993), Above the Rim (1994), Bullet (1996), Gridlock'd (1997), and Gang Related (1997).
During the later part of his career, Shakur was shot five times in the lobby of a New York recording studio and experienced legal troubles, including incarceration. In 1995, Shakur served eight months in prison on sexual abuse charges, but was released pending an appeal of his conviction. Following his release, he signed to Marion "Suge" Knight's label Death Row Records and became heavily involved in the growing East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry. On September 7, 1996, Shakur was shot four times by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas; he died six days later. Following his murder, Shakur's friend-turned-rival, the Notorious B.I.G., was at first considered a suspect due to their public feud, but was also murdered in another drive-by shooting six months later in March 1997 while visiting Los Angeles.
Five more albums have been released since Shakur's death, all of which have been certified Platinum in the United States. In 2002, Shakur was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. In 2017, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Shakur among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
Shakur was born on June 16, 1971, in the East Harlem section of Manhattan in New York City. While born Lesane Parish Crooks, at age one he was renamed Tupac Amaru Shakur. He was named after Túpac Amaru II, the descendant of the last Incan ruler, Túpac Amaru, who was executed in Peru in 1781 after his failed revolt against Spanish rule. Shakur's mother explained, "I wanted him to have the name of revolutionary, indigenous people in the world. I wanted him to know he was part of a world culture and not just from a neighborhood."
Shakur had an older stepbrother, Mopreme "Komani" Shakur, and a half-sister, Sekyiwa Shakur, two years his junior.
Hit 'Em Up 2
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Inside the most criminal prison in America)
Yeah
(If you think there's no justice, think again)
Ayo
(Now only ha-) I think y'all gonna like this next song
(Inside the secret cell block) I think they do
(Where they keep the baddest of the bad) when this song drops
I want all the West Coast people to give up some love when this song come up
(If you do the crime) y'all got to go crazy
(You just might do the time) they try to ban this song
They don't wanna play my song
But they want to play Fat Boy all goddamn day
(What?)
Come on, come on (take money)
Come on, come on (take money)
Come on, come on (take money)
What's up nigga?
First off, fuck your bitch and the clique you claim
Westside when we ride, come equipped with game
You claim to be a player but I fucked your wife
We bust on Bad Boy, niggas fucked for life
Plus Puffy tryna see me, weak hearts I rip (rip)
Biggie Smalls and Junior M.A.F.I.A. some mark-ass bitches
We keep on comin' while we runnin' for yo' jewels
Steady gunnin', keep on bustin' at them fools, you know the rules
Lil' Ceaser, go ask ya homie how I leave ya
Cut your young ass up, leave you in pieces, now be deceased
Lil' Kim, don't fuck around with real G's
Quick to snatch yo' ugly ass off the streets, so fuck peace
I let them niggas know it's on for life
Don't let the Westside ride tonight
Bad Boy murdered on wax and killed
Fuck wit' me and get yo' caps peeled, you know (niggas say)
Grab ya Glocks when you see Tupac (what?)
Call the cops when you see Tupac, uh (what?)
Who shot me? But you punks didn't finish
Now you 'bout to feel the wrath of a menace
Nigga, we hit em' up
(Take money) yes, yo, ha
Outlawz in this motherfucker (take money)
West Coast (Take money)
what's up? (So live)
What's up? (Yeah, yeah)
Get out the way, yo, get out the way, yo
Biggie Smalls just got shot
Little Moo, pass the MAC and let me hit him in his back
Frank White need to get spanked right for settin' traps
Little accident murderers and I ain't never heard of ya
Poisonous gats attack when I'm servin' ya
Spank ya, shank ya whole style when I gank
Guard your rank 'cause I'ma slam your ass in the paint
Puffy weaker than the fuckin' block I'm runnin' through, nigga
And I'm smokin' Junior M.A.F.I.A. in front of you, nigga
With the ready power tuckin' my Guess under my Eddie Bauer
Ya clout petty sour, I push packages every hour, hit 'em up
Oh
Call the cops when you see Tupac
Who shot me? But you punks didn't finish
Now you 'bout to feel the wrath of a menace
Nigga, I hit em' up (say what?)
Peep how we do it, keep it real, it's penitentiary steel
This ain't no freestyle battle
All you niggas gettin' killed with ya mouths open
Tryin' to come up offa me, you in the clouds hopin'
Smokin dope it's like a sherm high, niggas think they learned to fly
But they burn motherfucker, you deserve to die
Talkin' bout you gettin' money but it's funny to me
All you niggas livin' bummy, why you fuckin' with me?
I'm a self made millionaire
Thug livin' out a prison, pistols in the air
Biggie, remember when I used to let you sleep on the couch
And beg a bitch to let you sleep in the house
Now it's all about Versace, you copied my style
Five shots couldn't drop me, I took it and smiled
Now I'm bout to set the record straight
With my A.K. I'm still the thug that you love to hate
Motherfucker, I hit 'em up
I'm from N-E-W Jers'
Where plenty of murders occurs
No points or commas, we bring drama to all you herbs
Now go check the scenario
Little Ceas' I'll bring you fake G's to your knees
Copping pleas in de Janeiro
Little Kim, is you coked up or doped up?
Get your little Junior Whopper click smoked up
What the fuck, is you stupid?
I take money, crash and mash through Brooklyn
With my click looting, shooting and polluting your block
With a 15-shot cocked Glock to your knot
Outlaw MAFIA clique moving up another notch
And your pop stars popped and get mopped and dropped
And all your fake ass East coast props
Brainstormed and locked
You's a, beat biter
A Pac style taker
I'll tell you to your face you ain't shit but a faker
Softer than Alize with a chaser
About to get murdered for the paper
E.d.i Amin approach the scene of the caper
Like a loc, with Little Ceas' in a choke
Gun totin' smoke. We ain't no motherfucking joke
Nigga, better be known
We approaching in the wide open, gun smoking
No need for hoping, it's a battle lost
I got em crossed as soon as the funk is bopping off
Nigga, I hit em up
Oh oh
Hah
Yeah
We hit 'em up
Grab ya glocks, when you see Tupac
Come on with the next shit
Who shot me, but ya punks didn't finish
Now ya bout to feel the wrath of a menace
Nigga, we hit em' up
That's right
Go
Yo
Y'all gotta keep this shit real
"Hit 'Em Up" by 2Pac and The Outlawz is a diss track aimed at East Coast rappers, especially Biggie Smalls and Bad Boy Records. The song aimed to ignite the growing East Coast-West Coast hip-hop feud in the mid-1990s. The song starts with 2Pac introducing the track and asking West Coast fans to show their support. He then insults Biggie and Junior M.A.F.I.A, claiming they're mark-ass bitches. The song gets more intense as it goes on, with 2Pac claiming to have slept with Biggie's wife and threatening to kill his enemies. He also insults Puffy and Lil' Kim.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
Expressing enthusiasm and anticipation for the upcoming song
Ayo
Attention grabbing, signaling something important is about to be said
I think y'all gonna like this next song
Confidently predicting that the audience will enjoy the following song
When this song drops, I want all the West coast people to give up some love when this song come up
Requesting support and admiration from the West coast audience when the song is played
Y'all about to go crazy
Anticipating an enthusiastic and wild reaction from the audience
They try to ban this song
Acknowledging attempts to prevent the song from being played or heard
They don't wanna play my song
Recognizing resistance and unwillingness to include his song in radio or media play
But they want to play Fat Boy all goddamn day
Observing the preferential treatment given to another artist, Fat Boy, despite his own work being overlooked
(What) Come on, come on (take money)
Chanting and inviting everyone to join in and take what is rightfully theirs
First off, fuck your bitch and the click you claim
Disrespectfully dismissing and insulting the loyalty and affiliation of others
Westside when we ride come equipped with game
Pointing out the preparedness and strategic thinking of the Westside when facing opposition
You claim to be a player but I fucked your wife
Challenging someone's reputation and revealing their infidelity
We bust on Bad Boy niggaz fucked for life
Asserting dominance and superiority over the members of Bad Boy Records, subjecting them to severe consequences
Plus Puffy tryin' ta see me weak hearts I rip
Calling out Puff Daddy for attempting to exploit perceived weaknesses, but warning that he will forcefully tear them apart
Biggie Smalls and Junior M.A.F.I.A. Some mark-ass bitches
Insulting and demeaning Biggie Smalls and his affiliated group, Junior M.A.F.I.A., as weak, untrustworthy individuals
We keep on comin' while we runnin' for yo' jewels
Persistently pursuing wealth and success while also threatening to take away the possessions and riches of others
Steady gunnin, keep on bustin at them fools, you know the rules
Continuously firing shots and attacking adversaries, reminding them of the ruthlessness of the ongoing conflict
Lil' Ceaser, go ask ya homie how I leave ya
Directing Lil' Ceaser to inquire about the brutal consequences he can deliver to his associates
Cut your young ass up, leave you in pieces, now be deceased
Threatening to gruesomely harm and ultimately kill Lil' Ceaser, leaving him lifeless and dismembered
Lil' Kim, don't fuck around with real G's
Warning Lil' Kim to avoid involvement and confrontation with genuine gangsters and individuals of high stature
Quick to snatch yo' ugly ass off the streets, so fuck peace
Highlighting a readiness to aggressively remove Lil' Kim from public spaces, dismissing any notions of peaceful resolution
I let them niggaz know it's on for life
Asserting a perpetual state of conflict and animosity towards their enemies
So let the Westside ride tonight
Encouraging and allowing the Westside to display their dominance and power during the night
Bad Boy murdered on wax and killed
Claiming responsibility for destroying the reputation and credibility of Bad Boy Records through their music
Fuck wit' me and get yo' caps peeled, you know, see
Warning others that any attempt to engage or provoke them will result in their inevitable demise
Grab ya glocks, when you see Tupac
Advising everyone to be prepared and armed when encountering Tupac
Call the cops, when you see Tupac, uh
Humorously suggesting that the sight of Tupac will require immediate police intervention
Who shot me, but ya punks didn't finish
Questioning the identity of those who attempted to harm him but failed to succeed
Now ya bout to feel the wrath of a menace
Promising that those responsible for the attack will face severe consequences and experience the full force of his anger
Nigga, we hit em' up
Declaring their retaliation and strike against their enemies
Yes, yo, Outlaw to this mutherfucker (take money)
Announcing their affiliation with the Outlawz and expressing their determination to claim what belongs to them
West Coast, what's up? (take money)
Acknowledging and representing the West Coast with pride and demanding their rightful dues
Get out the way yo, get out the way yo
Urging others to move aside and make way for their presence and dominance
Biggie Smalls just got shot
Celebrating the news and revelation that Biggie Smalls has been shot and harmed
Little Moo, pass the mac, and let me hit him in his back
Requesting a firearm from Little Moo in order to deliver a fatal shot to their target's back
Frank White need to get spanked right, for settin' traps
Asserting the necessity to punish Frank White for his deceptive and malicious actions
Little accident murderers, and I ain't never heard-a ya
Referring to their adversaries as insignificant and unimportant, claiming ignorance of their existence
Poisinous gats attack when I'm servin' ya
Using deadly firearms and tactics to aggressively confront and harm their enemies
Spank ya shank ya whole style when I gank
Revealing their intention to humiliate and obliterate their opposition, completely dismantling their image and reputation
Guard your rank, 'cause I'ma slam your ass in the paint
Warning others to protect their social status and position, as they will forcefully overpower and defeat them in any competition
Puffy weaker than the fuckin' block I'm runnin through nigga
Belittling Puff Daddy's strength and influence compared to their own, highlighting their ability to dominate and control their surroundings
And I'm smokin' Junior M.A.F.I.A. in front of you nigga
Boastfully declaring their superiority and ability to defeat the members of Junior M.A.F.I.A. in the presence of others
With the ready power tuckin' my Guess under my Eddie Bauer
Displaying their readiness and preparedness, concealing a weapon while wearing fashionable clothing
Ya clout petty sour, I get packages every hour to hit 'em up
Dismissively ridiculing the insignificance and pettiness of their adversaries, and asserting their ability to continuously deliver harmful blows
Call the cops, when you see Tupac
Reinforcing the need for immediate police involvement upon sighting Tupac
Who shot me, but ya punks didn't finish
Demanding an explanation for the failed attempt on their life and expressing disappointment in their adversaries' inability to complete the job
Now ya bout to feel the wrath of a menace
Repeating the imminent consequences and repercussions that will be inflicted upon their enemies
Nigga, I hit em' up
Reaffirming their successful attack and strike against their enemies
Peep how we do it, keep it real, it's penitentiary steel
Invite others to observe and understand their authentic and harsh lifestyle, characterized by constant danger and violence
This ain't no freestyle battle
Clarifying that the ongoing conflict is not merely a friendly competition or improvisation, but a serious and intense confrontation
All you niggaz gettin killed with ya mouths open
Warning their adversaries that their careless and boastful talk will lead to their own demise
Tryin' to come up offa me, you in the clouds hopin'
Recognizing the futile efforts of their enemies to gain an advantage or profit from their name and reputation
Smokin dope it's like a sherm high niggaz think they learned to fly
Observing drug-induced delusions and false sense of confidence in some individuals who believe they possess supernatural abilities
But they burn motherfucker, you deserve to die
Dismissing and condemning those individuals, affirming their deserving fate of death
Talkin' bout you gettin' money but it's funny to me
Mocking claims of wealth and financial success made by their enemies, finding amusement in their lies and deceit
All you niggaz livin' bummy, why you fuckin' with me?
Questioning why their adversaries, who live in poverty and struggle, are foolish enough to challenge them
I'm a self made millionaire
Confidently stating their success and wealth, achieved through their own efforts and ingenuity
Thug livin' out a prison, pistols in the air
Embracing a lifestyle associated with criminal activities, residing in a metaphorical prison, and engaging in acts of violence
Biggie, remember when I used to let you sleep on the couch
Reminiscing about a time when they provided temporary shelter for Biggie, implying an act of kindness in the past
And beg a bitch to let you sleep in the house
Mocking Biggie's reliance on women and his desperation to secure a place to stay
Now it's all about Versace, you copied my style
Accusing Biggie of imitating their fashion choices and overall persona, indicating a lack of originality
Five shots couldn't drop me, I took it and smiled
Boasting about their resilience and invincibility, surviving and even finding amusement in the face of attempted assassination
Now I'm bout to set the record straight
Declaring their intention to clarify and correct any false narratives or misconceptions surrounding their image
With my A.K. I'm still the thug that you love to hate
Asserting that despite having a weapon, they maintain their identity and notoriety as a respected and feared figure
Motherfucker, I hit 'em up
Reiterating their successful attack and strike against their adversaries
I'm from N-E-W Jers'
Revealing their origin and connection to New Jersey
Where plenty of murders occurs
Acknowledging the high rate of violent crimes and homicides in their hometown
No points or commas, we bring drama to all you herbs
Dismissing any need for punctuation or formalities in their message, emphasizing their ability to instigate conflict and turmoil among their rivals
Now go check the scenario
Challenging others to investigate and observe the current circumstances and situation
Little Ceas' I'll bring you fake G's to your knees
Promising to expose Little Ceas' as a fraudulent gangster and force him to submit and surrender
Copping pleas in de Janeiro
Portraying Little Ceas' as desperate and willing to beg for mercy in a city far from home, emphasizing his cowardice
Little Kim, is you coked up or doped up?
Questioning Little Kim's state of being under the influence of drugs, suggesting she is not in a position to engage or fight
Get your little Junior Whopper click smoked up
Threatening harm to Little Kim's associated group, comparing them to a fast food menu item that will be consumed or destroyed
What the fuck, is you stupid?
Expressing frustration and disbelief at Little Kim's apparent lack of intelligence or understanding
I take money, crash and mash through Brooklyn
Boasting about their ability to acquire wealth and power, and asserting their dominance by moving forcefully and recklessly through Brooklyn
With my click looting, shooting and polluting your block
Describing the destructive and chaotic nature of their gang, bringing chaos, violence, and mayhem to their rivals' territory
With a 15-shot cocked Glock to your knot
Threatening to use a fully loaded 15-round Glock handgun aimed at their adversaries' heads
Outlaw MAFIA clique moving up another notch
Asserting their rise and advancement in power and influence as part of the Outlaw MAFIA clique
And your pop stars popped and get mopped and dropped
Promising to eliminate and defeat popular artists, leaving them humiliated and destroyed
And all your fake ass East coast props
Disregarding the support and recognition given to East coast artists, labeling them as fake and undeserving
Brainstormed and locked
Preserving and solidifying their well-thought-out plans and actions, leaving no room for error
You's a, beat biter
Accusing their adversaries of copying and stealing beats and lyrics from others
A Pac style taker
Claiming that their rivals imitate and appropriate their unique style and flow
I'll tell you to your face you ain't shit but a faker
Bravely confronting their adversaries, challenging their authenticity and labeling them as frauds
Softer than Alize with a chaser
Insulting their enemies by comparing them to a weak and diluted alcoholic beverage
About to get murdered for the paper
Warning their adversaries that they will face lethal consequences due to their greed and desire for money
E.d.i Amin approach the scene of the caper
Referring to themselves as E.d.i Amin, suggesting that they are a ruthless and powerful leader, arriving at the scene of their attack
Like a loc, with Little Ceas' in a choke
Describing their intimidating and dominant presence, physically restraining Little Ceas' in a stranglehold
Gun totin' smoke. We ain't no motherfucking joke
Confirming their possession of firearms and establishing their seriousness and lack of tolerance for humor or jest
nigga, better be known
Asserting their reputation and advising others to recognize and respect their power
We approaching in the wide open, gun smoking
Confidently and brazenly approaching their enemies with visible firearms, creating an intimidating and threatening presence
No need for hoping, it's a battle lost
Rejecting any notion of hope or optimism, suggesting that their enemies are already defeated
I got em crossed as soon as the funk is bopping off
Claiming victory and asserting that their enemies are immediately defeated once the altercation begins
Nigga, I hit em up
Reasserting their successful attack and retaliation against their adversaries
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dennis Lambert, Tupac Amaru Shakur, Yafeu Fula, Johnny Lee Jackson, Malcolm Greenidge, Bruce Washington, Frannie Golde, Duane S. Hitchings
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@WestCoastMexican101
Now this is real rap! None of that mumble skinny jean wearning effeminate bs we have today. Raw, uncut & strong energy right here!
@SaraShakur94
Agree 1000%!!
@Hoots71
Yess!
@jeffcasper5483
Kody, you know The Army of the Pharaohs? If not check them out. AOTP it's older stuff. Cheers.
@dominiccoleman6856
Still pumping Tupac like it came out yesterday ❤️🔥
@johnchristophercoronel8611
dave ftra fap 2020 mm
@grandmasterc6130
2021 😤😤😤😤
@moonbay5285
Yep, 20 years now still so fresh :)
@DL67W
2022!
@ashtonrussell4820
@@moonbay5285 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥